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Tag: Pakistan

  • ARY News asked to pay INR 1.58 cr to Geo TV as compensation

    ARY News asked to pay INR 1.58 cr to Geo TV as compensation

    MUMBAI: A legal rift raging between two big media groups in Pakistan — ARY News and Geo TV — settled recently in a British Court. ARY News lost the legal battle and will have to pay approximately INR 1.58 crore compensation to Geo.

    Pakistani newspapers reported that ARY News had been asked by the court to pay the amount to Geo TV chairman Mir Shakeelur Rehman. As per the media reports, the case was filed by Rehman in London’s High Court of Justice against ARY News for defaming and threatening him.

    The court, after reviewing the legal aspects of the case, gave its verdict and ordered the chairman of ARY News to pay the fine for defaming Rehman. The court, however, rejected the charges of heartening the applicant.

    The court mentioned in its decision that, even after giving time to ARY News, it neither withdrew the charges levelled against Geo TV chairman nor sought pardon. The case was heard by Justice Sir David Eddy of the Queen’s Bench of High Court of Justice from 1 November to 7 November. On 2 December, the court released its comprehensive verdict.

    Rehman filed the case on the basis of ARY’s programme ‘Khara Sach’, in which anchorperson Mubasher Luqman had levelled serious allegations against him (Rehman) damaging the credibility of Geo media group’s chairman. He said in his petition that a series of 24 episodes of the said programme was telecast in the UK and other countries.

  • Netflix ties up with PTCL as Amazon woos India

    Netflix ties up with PTCL as Amazon woos India

    MUMBAI: As the world’s leading video-streaming network Netflix and e-commerce giant Amazon take different routes to reach out to the Indian audience while they expand globally, the former is partnering with a top-ranking company in India’s neighbourhood Pakistan, thus strengthening its hold in the sub-continent.

    While Amazon is relying on going local with its video streaming service, Netflix is depending on its global programming.Amazon meantime has commissioned “Baahubali: The Lost Legends,” a new animated series in India based on a local blockbuster movie.

    Pakistani telco PTCL has signed a partnership agreement with Netflix. The two companies will use their respective resources for a symbiotic relationship, maximising the viewing experience and penetration of Netflix services in the Islamic state. This pact will serve as the way forward for both Netflix and PTCL to provide digital content. PTCL will promote and aid original Netflix content in Pakistan.

    Amazon Studios chief Roy Price frequents India scouting for locally appealing programming for Amazon’s forthcoming video service.

    Though Netflix made its India debut around 10 months ago, it makes content-buying decisions out of Los Angeles, even for regional shows, to ensure they have global appeal. For example, the deal with Indian producer Phantom Films for its new Indian original series, based on the internationally acclaimed Mumbai crime novel “Sacred Games.”

    In Pakistan however PTCL became the only service provider with advanced caching servers and technical pairing with Netflix to offer the superior viewing experience since Netflix’s global launch in January 2016. The Netflix Pakistan website says users can start using services starting $7.99 a month, with a free month offer.

    Netflix made the announcement during a keynote by Co-founder and Chief Executive Reed Hastings: “Today you are witnessing the birth of a new global Internet TV network.” Members with a streaming-only plan will be able to watch instantly through the Netflix service. The movies and TV shows that are available to stream may vary by location, and will change from time to time.

    India, Nigeria, Russia and Saudi Arabia were among the major countries where the service was launched, Hastings said at a Consumer Electronics Show keynote in Las Vegas.

    The company recently said it was exploring options for providing its services in China. The company said in July that plans to enter China in 2016 could be delayed. However, Netflix added simplified and traditional Chinese to the 17 languages it already supports.

    PTCL’s chief commercial officer Adnan Shahid described digital entertainment as PTCL’s “key priority”. Netflix, which has expanded into some 190 countries following a near-global launch in January, doesn’t believe in a physical presence in every market.

    Amazon has been selective internationally, pushing Prime Video into some European markets, Japan, and now India. Its bet is that homegrown programming will win over Indian audiences, a strategy analysts say could also help increase Amazon shoppers’ loyalty.

    Netflix is generally reviewed as a stand-alone streaming business, with 87 million subscribers, while Amazon’s video operations are part of the giant’s much larger e-commerce business, with 60 million global Prime members, according to Morgan Stanley estimates.

  • Netflix ties up with PTCL as Amazon woos India

    Netflix ties up with PTCL as Amazon woos India

    MUMBAI: As the world’s leading video-streaming network Netflix and e-commerce giant Amazon take different routes to reach out to the Indian audience while they expand globally, the former is partnering with a top-ranking company in India’s neighbourhood Pakistan, thus strengthening its hold in the sub-continent.

    While Amazon is relying on going local with its video streaming service, Netflix is depending on its global programming.Amazon meantime has commissioned “Baahubali: The Lost Legends,” a new animated series in India based on a local blockbuster movie.

    Pakistani telco PTCL has signed a partnership agreement with Netflix. The two companies will use their respective resources for a symbiotic relationship, maximising the viewing experience and penetration of Netflix services in the Islamic state. This pact will serve as the way forward for both Netflix and PTCL to provide digital content. PTCL will promote and aid original Netflix content in Pakistan.

    Amazon Studios chief Roy Price frequents India scouting for locally appealing programming for Amazon’s forthcoming video service.

    Though Netflix made its India debut around 10 months ago, it makes content-buying decisions out of Los Angeles, even for regional shows, to ensure they have global appeal. For example, the deal with Indian producer Phantom Films for its new Indian original series, based on the internationally acclaimed Mumbai crime novel “Sacred Games.”

    In Pakistan however PTCL became the only service provider with advanced caching servers and technical pairing with Netflix to offer the superior viewing experience since Netflix’s global launch in January 2016. The Netflix Pakistan website says users can start using services starting $7.99 a month, with a free month offer.

    Netflix made the announcement during a keynote by Co-founder and Chief Executive Reed Hastings: “Today you are witnessing the birth of a new global Internet TV network.” Members with a streaming-only plan will be able to watch instantly through the Netflix service. The movies and TV shows that are available to stream may vary by location, and will change from time to time.

    India, Nigeria, Russia and Saudi Arabia were among the major countries where the service was launched, Hastings said at a Consumer Electronics Show keynote in Las Vegas.

    The company recently said it was exploring options for providing its services in China. The company said in July that plans to enter China in 2016 could be delayed. However, Netflix added simplified and traditional Chinese to the 17 languages it already supports.

    PTCL’s chief commercial officer Adnan Shahid described digital entertainment as PTCL’s “key priority”. Netflix, which has expanded into some 190 countries following a near-global launch in January, doesn’t believe in a physical presence in every market.

    Amazon has been selective internationally, pushing Prime Video into some European markets, Japan, and now India. Its bet is that homegrown programming will win over Indian audiences, a strategy analysts say could also help increase Amazon shoppers’ loyalty.

    Netflix is generally reviewed as a stand-alone streaming business, with 87 million subscribers, while Amazon’s video operations are part of the giant’s much larger e-commerce business, with 60 million global Prime members, according to Morgan Stanley estimates.

  • Pakistan Broadcasters Association to oppose PEMRA Indian content ban

    Pakistan Broadcasters Association to oppose PEMRA Indian content ban

    MUMBAI: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) shocked both Pakistan and Indian broadcasters when it issued an order blanking out  all Indian content from Pakistan’s television channels on 19 October.

    Close to Rs 150 crore of Indian content exports to Pakistan went up in smoke with that order. And, Indian broadcasters’ syndication and film distribution teams – including those from Zee TV, Viacom18, Sony Pictures Networks India, Star India, YRF, Dharma Productions, T-Series etc – were still reeling from the shock of the draconian diktat. As were Pakistan channel, FM radio and film distribution executives and  theatre owners.

    Apparently, the Pakistan media fraternity is not going let PEMRA have its way easily. The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) , the representative body of the TV channels and FM radio services is mulling taking legal recourse against PEMRA’s sudden order.

    According to Pakistan industry sources, the PBA is likely to take PEMRA to court, objecting to its arbitrary decision.

    Says a senior Pakistan TV channel executive: “The current limitation of 10 per cent international and six per cent Indian content was done through an act of Parliament. PEMRA is overstepping its brief by promulgating its new order. It has no business doing so. For us to follow it, the new order has to be passed by the government when the parliament is in session. Hence, we will approach the court for succor.”

    However, observers are not sure if Pakistan’s courts will go against PEMRA’s order. On a previous occasion, in 2013, a high court judge had supported the complete ban on Indian content entering the country and passed an order to that effect.

    Broadcasters meanwhile acknowledge that content trade between India and Pakistan was tilted towards India. “But, in recent times, Indian broadcasters have started acquiring more Pakistani content. And over time we had hoped that the Indo-Pak content trade would be equally split in revenue terms between the two countries. Now we don’t know how much of a setback it will be to our plans to export more to India,” says a Pakistan broadcast television executive..

    ALSO READ :

    PEMRA Indian content ban to impact broadcasters

  • Pakistan Broadcasters Association to oppose PEMRA Indian content ban

    Pakistan Broadcasters Association to oppose PEMRA Indian content ban

    MUMBAI: The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) shocked both Pakistan and Indian broadcasters when it issued an order blanking out  all Indian content from Pakistan’s television channels on 19 October.

    Close to Rs 150 crore of Indian content exports to Pakistan went up in smoke with that order. And, Indian broadcasters’ syndication and film distribution teams – including those from Zee TV, Viacom18, Sony Pictures Networks India, Star India, YRF, Dharma Productions, T-Series etc – were still reeling from the shock of the draconian diktat. As were Pakistan channel, FM radio and film distribution executives and  theatre owners.

    Apparently, the Pakistan media fraternity is not going let PEMRA have its way easily. The Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) , the representative body of the TV channels and FM radio services is mulling taking legal recourse against PEMRA’s sudden order.

    According to Pakistan industry sources, the PBA is likely to take PEMRA to court, objecting to its arbitrary decision.

    Says a senior Pakistan TV channel executive: “The current limitation of 10 per cent international and six per cent Indian content was done through an act of Parliament. PEMRA is overstepping its brief by promulgating its new order. It has no business doing so. For us to follow it, the new order has to be passed by the government when the parliament is in session. Hence, we will approach the court for succor.”

    However, observers are not sure if Pakistan’s courts will go against PEMRA’s order. On a previous occasion, in 2013, a high court judge had supported the complete ban on Indian content entering the country and passed an order to that effect.

    Broadcasters meanwhile acknowledge that content trade between India and Pakistan was tilted towards India. “But, in recent times, Indian broadcasters have started acquiring more Pakistani content. And over time we had hoped that the Indo-Pak content trade would be equally split in revenue terms between the two countries. Now we don’t know how much of a setback it will be to our plans to export more to India,” says a Pakistan broadcast television executive..

    ALSO READ :

    PEMRA Indian content ban to impact broadcasters

  • India against obstructing Fawad film; Maharashtra assures ‘protection’

    India against obstructing Fawad film; Maharashtra assures ‘protection’

    NEW DELHI: Even as PEMRA’s ban on Indian content looms, the Indian Government has made it clear that it will not create any impediment for the release of producer-director Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ starring popular Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, among others.

    It is just a matter of a few hours when the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (Pemra’s) order issued on 19 October banning all Indian content on Pakistan media will come into force.

    PEMRA’s order is directed at all FM radio licence holders, landing right holders, and satellite television channels operating in Pakistan. The authority has threatened defaulters with punitive legal action.

    But, India’s home minister Rajnath Singh has assured smooth release of Fawad Khan-starring movie in India while talking to film producer Mukesh Bhatt who is also the president of the Film and TV Producers Guild of India.

    After the meeting with the minister in Delhi, Bhatt said, “Rajnathji said he will speak to the chief minister of every state, and assured that ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ will release without any violence or issue.”

    The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a breakaway faction of the regional saffron brigade, had earlier said they would not allow release of any film featuring Pakistani artistes.

    The Indian Guild had subsequently passed a resolution asking the Government to ensure that films that were either ready for release or were under production and featured Pakistani artistes should be allowed.

    Bhatt and Apoorva Mehta from Johar’s Dharma Productions had met the minister in Delhi to discuss the smooth release of the upcoming film. To a question about a ban of Indian films in Pakistan, Bhatt told newspersons that it did not make any difference to India since most Indian films shown in Pakistan were pirated.

    Johar had earlier appealed against stalling the release, saying he would not engage with talent from Pakistan in future.

    MNS continued their protests as the party rejected Johar’s statement that he will not “engage with talent” from Pakistan in future.

    The Maharashtra government has, however, assured protection to cinemas where the film will be screened from Diwali weekend.

  • India against obstructing Fawad film; Maharashtra assures ‘protection’

    India against obstructing Fawad film; Maharashtra assures ‘protection’

    NEW DELHI: Even as PEMRA’s ban on Indian content looms, the Indian Government has made it clear that it will not create any impediment for the release of producer-director Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ starring popular Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, among others.

    It is just a matter of a few hours when the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s (Pemra’s) order issued on 19 October banning all Indian content on Pakistan media will come into force.

    PEMRA’s order is directed at all FM radio licence holders, landing right holders, and satellite television channels operating in Pakistan. The authority has threatened defaulters with punitive legal action.

    But, India’s home minister Rajnath Singh has assured smooth release of Fawad Khan-starring movie in India while talking to film producer Mukesh Bhatt who is also the president of the Film and TV Producers Guild of India.

    After the meeting with the minister in Delhi, Bhatt said, “Rajnathji said he will speak to the chief minister of every state, and assured that ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ will release without any violence or issue.”

    The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), a breakaway faction of the regional saffron brigade, had earlier said they would not allow release of any film featuring Pakistani artistes.

    The Indian Guild had subsequently passed a resolution asking the Government to ensure that films that were either ready for release or were under production and featured Pakistani artistes should be allowed.

    Bhatt and Apoorva Mehta from Johar’s Dharma Productions had met the minister in Delhi to discuss the smooth release of the upcoming film. To a question about a ban of Indian films in Pakistan, Bhatt told newspersons that it did not make any difference to India since most Indian films shown in Pakistan were pirated.

    Johar had earlier appealed against stalling the release, saying he would not engage with talent from Pakistan in future.

    MNS continued their protests as the party rejected Johar’s statement that he will not “engage with talent” from Pakistan in future.

    The Maharashtra government has, however, assured protection to cinemas where the film will be screened from Diwali weekend.

  • PEMRA Indian content ban to impact broadcasters

    PEMRA Indian content ban to impact broadcasters

    MUMBAI: 21 October, 15:00 hours is going to be a landmark day in the history of south Asian media and entertainment. Reason: that’s the day when the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s  (Pemra’s) order issued on 19 October banning all Indian content on Pakistan media will come into effect.

    The authority’s order is directed at all FM radio licence holders, landing right holders, and satellite television channels operating in Pakistan. Most TV and FM Radio channels air substantial amount of Indian content, sometimes going up to as much as 50-60 per cent.  That was trimmed down to six per cent following the Pakistan crackdown in September, when the old regulation promulgated during General Pervez Musharaff’s reign was activated.  And now, the latest order has reduced that to zero.

    However, PEMRA, in its order, says that Pakistan’s TV and FM radio services can continue to air up to 10 per cent foreign content from nations other than India. The authority has threatened defaulters with punitive legal action.

    Pakistan’s No 1 TV show was Indian import Naagin which was aired by Filmazia and helped its rise in the ratings pecking order while shows such as Yeh hai Mohabbatein helped boost the viewership of channels such as Urdu1 and shows such as Kumkum Bhagya  were rated highly on Geo Kahani. Among leading entertainment channels in Pakistan are: Colors, HumTV, Ary Digital, PTV Home, Geo Entertainment, APlus, ATV and Geo Kahani.

    According to Pakistan TV executives, the impact of banning Indian content is going to be felt by India’s music labels and TV channels. “Close to about Rs 25-30 150 crore of exports are going to vanish for Indian music and TV companies,” says an industry observer.

    However, they expect the official ban to continue for only a while, once the political heat between the two nations cools down. “We have already requested that Indian broadcasting companies from whom we have acquired the content to understand this force majeure which has been put on us,” says a Pakistan TV executive. “It is an act of the government over which we have no control, and we have to comply. Of course, our viewers are not going to be happy with such a sudden call to action and their favourite Indian TV shows going off just like that, and our ratings will probably  drop. But, we have to deal with it, positively as, it is in the two nations’ interest.”

    In the meanwhile, Pakistan channels are looking at filling the gap created by Indian content going off-air with Turkish and American content.

    Among the Indian TV networks which will feel the brunt of the ban include Viacom18, Zee TV, Sony and Star India.

    Of course, music labels will also feel the impact, but to what extent was not clear at the time of writing.

    The point of concern is whether the Pakistani ban will lead to a spurt in piracy of Indian content online and offline. “This is what Pakistan probably has in mind,” says a media specialist. “The official ban will lead to revenue losses on account of trade, but the piracy losses could probably be in multiples. And if Pakistan so desires it can  magnify the problem.”

    (Updated on 20 October; the figure of losses that Indian broadcasters would suffer was upped to Rs 150 crore after discussions with broadcasters and theatrical film distributors.)

  • PEMRA Indian content ban to impact broadcasters

    PEMRA Indian content ban to impact broadcasters

    MUMBAI: 21 October, 15:00 hours is going to be a landmark day in the history of south Asian media and entertainment. Reason: that’s the day when the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority’s  (Pemra’s) order issued on 19 October banning all Indian content on Pakistan media will come into effect.

    The authority’s order is directed at all FM radio licence holders, landing right holders, and satellite television channels operating in Pakistan. Most TV and FM Radio channels air substantial amount of Indian content, sometimes going up to as much as 50-60 per cent.  That was trimmed down to six per cent following the Pakistan crackdown in September, when the old regulation promulgated during General Pervez Musharaff’s reign was activated.  And now, the latest order has reduced that to zero.

    However, PEMRA, in its order, says that Pakistan’s TV and FM radio services can continue to air up to 10 per cent foreign content from nations other than India. The authority has threatened defaulters with punitive legal action.

    Pakistan’s No 1 TV show was Indian import Naagin which was aired by Filmazia and helped its rise in the ratings pecking order while shows such as Yeh hai Mohabbatein helped boost the viewership of channels such as Urdu1 and shows such as Kumkum Bhagya  were rated highly on Geo Kahani. Among leading entertainment channels in Pakistan are: Colors, HumTV, Ary Digital, PTV Home, Geo Entertainment, APlus, ATV and Geo Kahani.

    According to Pakistan TV executives, the impact of banning Indian content is going to be felt by India’s music labels and TV channels. “Close to about Rs 25-30 150 crore of exports are going to vanish for Indian music and TV companies,” says an industry observer.

    However, they expect the official ban to continue for only a while, once the political heat between the two nations cools down. “We have already requested that Indian broadcasting companies from whom we have acquired the content to understand this force majeure which has been put on us,” says a Pakistan TV executive. “It is an act of the government over which we have no control, and we have to comply. Of course, our viewers are not going to be happy with such a sudden call to action and their favourite Indian TV shows going off just like that, and our ratings will probably  drop. But, we have to deal with it, positively as, it is in the two nations’ interest.”

    In the meanwhile, Pakistan channels are looking at filling the gap created by Indian content going off-air with Turkish and American content.

    Among the Indian TV networks which will feel the brunt of the ban include Viacom18, Zee TV, Sony and Star India.

    Of course, music labels will also feel the impact, but to what extent was not clear at the time of writing.

    The point of concern is whether the Pakistani ban will lead to a spurt in piracy of Indian content online and offline. “This is what Pakistan probably has in mind,” says a media specialist. “The official ban will lead to revenue losses on account of trade, but the piracy losses could probably be in multiples. And if Pakistan so desires it can  magnify the problem.”

    (Updated on 20 October; the figure of losses that Indian broadcasters would suffer was upped to Rs 150 crore after discussions with broadcasters and theatrical film distributors.)

  • Colors to actively engage viewers through Israeli singing show ‘Rising Star’ in early 2017

    Colors to actively engage viewers through Israeli singing show ‘Rising Star’ in early 2017

    MUMBAI: Colors launched its first singing reality show Sur Kshetra in 2012, a musical battle between teams of two neighbouring countries Pakistan and India. The show was indeed one of its kind.

    Staying true to its brand value of being at the forefront of innovation and disruptive programming, Colors has joined hands with the world-renowned production and distribution giant Keshet International to bring the Israeli singing reality show Rising Star to India.

    The show is one of the world’s most celebrated singing-based reality shows with live viewer engagement at its core. Rising Star is slated for an early 2017 launch on Colors, and will be produced by Optimystix Entertainment.

    Originally created and produced by Tedy Productions and Keshet Broadcasting, has, since its inception in 2013, enthralled the global audience with the most vivid talent. With more than 250 episodes globally to its credit, the format has been aired across more than 16 countries including Israel, the U.S, Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, China, Cambodia and Indonesia amongst others.

    Commenting on this landmark acquisition, Colors CEO Raj Nayak said, “For the first time, here is a reality show that will not only be Live but will also give the viewers sitting at home an opportunity to engage with the progress and build-up of the show. What is beautiful about the format is that it’s instant & Live. We are delighted to be collaborating with Keshet International to bring Rising Star to India. Our Channel boasts of having one of the biggest consumer engagement platforms in the country and one can assert that a format like Rising Star couldn’t have found a better stage than ours. The show’s USP is that it’s not only high on entertainment quotient but also has the ability to connect and communicate with the viewers directly.”

    With Digital India being the new order of the day, Rising Star is a first-of-its-kind futuristic interactive engagement-led format which puts the power of determining a contestant’s fate in the hands of the viewers. Through its app-based mass talent-led format, the show will welcome budding singers from across the country, bringing them together on a common platform.

    Keshet International head of Asia Gary Pudney said, “We are beyond excited about bringing Rising Star to the Indian audience. India is embracing technology more ferociously than ever before and, in partnership with our brilliant partners at Colors, we will be delivering prime time entertainment that satisfies viewers’ hunger to become more active and engaged viewers of high end content.”

    Apart from Rising Star, the recent adaptations of KIA formats include “Prisoners of War” India which will be aired on Star India’s Hindi general entertainment channel (GECs) Star Plus.